Most homeowners are quick to agree that the cost of utilities always seems to increase. So finding ways to get more bang for your heating and cooling dollars is very valuable. Saving just a few dollars each month on utilities helps avoid the challenges of a continually increasing household budget. And fortunately, there are some very affordable and simple ways to keep your heating and cooling costs more manageable.
Invest A Little To Save A Lot
Mechanical devices require some service and regular care from time to time. And if you choose to save a few dollars by ignoring the annual service for your HVAC system, you are likely to pay more for your heating and cooling. Plus, you should be expecting a shortened life for this very expensive piece of equipment. Think of your HVAC service like you do changing the oil in your car. That visit to the mechanic for a tune-up and fresh fluids increases your gas mileage and the life of the vehicle. The same is true with your HVAC equipment. The mechanical device will operate more energy-efficiently and last for many more years with just a little professional service once a year. Call the pros at Payne’s Heating and Air Conditioning at (850) 831-4599 for pricing for this year’s HVAC turn-up and service.
Never Block Heating And Cooling Vents
If you have rearranged furniture and are blocking a heating or cooling vent, you will discover that your room is no longer comfortable. In the winter, this will cause you to turn up the heat. In the summer, it will mean running the AC longer. Both waste money when a simple and free solution is to keep furniture away from your HVAC vents.
Use Window Treatments Wisely
Your home’s window treatments can provide a valuable service throughout the year. In the winter months, keep the curtains or blinds closed at night to insulate the windows and retain the heat. But be sure to open the curtains during the daylight hours when the sun is hitting the window. The radiant heat from the sun will help keep your home warm for free. In the summer, use drapes or curtains to block out the unwanted radiant heat that will add to your air conditioner’s workload. But if the temperature drops at night, be sure to open the curtains and windows to welcome in the cooler air.
Programmable Thermostats
Installing a programmable thermostat is a small investment that will provide a significant return. The greatest benefit comes from a slight temperature adjustment when you are away from home or asleep. In the winter, you can save on heating costs every night for about eight hours and any time you are at work or other places. This can account for over 50% of the hours that you are heating your home.
The savings are not as significant in the summer because you still want your home to be cool at night to promote good sleep. But you can still adjust the temperature by about five degrees when you are away from home. While the savings might not sound like a lot, it can reduce your heating and cooling expenses by up to 20%.
To learn more about service for your HVAC equipment or ways to reduce your heating and cooling cost, call (850) 831-4599. The pros at Payne’s Heating and Air Conditioning have decades of experience helping the community save on this significant but vital aspect of their household budget. And in appreciation for your business, we offer free estimates and complete warranties on all our work.
